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Biomedical subjects

M Letourneau

Publications and source records attributed to M Letourneau.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Structural characterization and effects on corticosteroid secretion of endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 from the frog Rana ridibunda.

ABSTRACT Despite the intensive study of endothelin (ET) in mammals, the primary structure and biological activity of the peptide is not known for any species of non-mammalian tetrapod. Extracts of the stomach and the liver of the European green frog Rana ridibunda contained ET-like immunoreactivity measured by RIA using an antiserum raised against human ET-1. The amino acid sequence of the peptide that was isolated in pure form from the stomach extract was identical to that of human ET-1 and the peptide purified from the liver extract was identical to human ET-3 except for a single amino acid substitution (Phe(4)-->Tyr). These observations demonstrate that the amino acid sequences of ET family peptides have been very strongly conserved during evolution of tetrapods and suggest that the pathway of post-translational processing of preproendothelin in the frog is similar to that in mammals. Both frog/human ET-1, frog ET-3 and human ET-3 produced a concentration-dependent increase in the production of corticosteroids from perifused slices of the frog interrenal gland. The maximum responses produced by the peptides (approximately 2-fold increase over basal levels for both corticosterone and aldosterone production) were not significantly different. The potency of ET-1 (-log EC(50)=9.81+/-0.01 (s.e.m.) for corticosterone and 9.52+/-0.29 for aldosterone production) was significantly (P<0.01) greater than that of frog ET-3 (-log EC(50)=8.13+/-1.6 for corticosterone and 8.15+/-0.33 for aldosterone production) but the potencies of frog ET-3 and human ET-3 (-log EC(50)=8.29+/-0.34 and 7.87+/-0.18) were not significantly different.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1998

Sexual Assault Response Team: overcoming obstacles to program development.

After several years of planning, The SART at Immanuel St. Joseph's--Mayo Health Systems became a reality in August 1997. The nurses who were trained for this program were already providing 24-hour coverage in the emergency department for psychiatric emergencies and patients with chemical dependency. The SANE responsibilities were added to their on-call duties. Five nurses participated in a 40-hour training program by SANE specialists and experts in the local community. As expected, nurses were apprehensive as they conducted their first examinations; however, all has gone well. Over time, the providers' and clients' satisfaction with the program has improved. The examination is completed in less time, and the person assaulted does not have to wait as long for the SANE to arrive. Members of law enforcement and the prosecutor's office are especially pleased with the quality of evidence collected and the procedures followed to maintain chain of evidence so the evidence obtained can be used in prosecution. The program has resulted in kind and compassionate care for persons who have been sexually assaulted. The providers are continuing to meet monthly as an interdisciplinary, interagency team and are addressing concerns as they arise. Members of the SART are developing a good working relationship. Everyone involved agrees that developing this program has been a worthwhile effort and that the hospital is providing a valued service for the community.

Emergency Nursing↗
PubMed1981

Pyogenic osteomyelitis versus pseudo-osteomyelitis in Gaucher's disease. Report of a case and review of the literature.

Presented is a young girl with Gaucher's disease who developed acute bone pain accompanied by signs of inflammation and who was felt to have possible pyogenic osteomyelitis. The lack of significant pathogenic bacterial growth on culture and the findings at orthopedic surgery led the authors to conclude that this child probably represented a case of pseudo-osteomyelitis, but the isolation of an anaerobe from the operative culture of the involved bone leaves the exact diagnosis unclear. Since this child underwent an open surgical procedure, she was treated with antibiotics to prevent the possible development of chronic osteomyelitis. This anaerobic growth on culture, although strongly felt to be a contaminant, also played a role in this decision. She had an uneventful hospital course and subsequently has done well. It is suggested that great caution be taken before subjecting a patient with Gaucher's disease to orthopedic surgical procedures. If pyogenic osteomyelitis is strongly suspected, obtaining multiple blood cultures and culture by needle aspirate may be preferred over an open surgical procedure. The use of empiric antibiotic therapy without an attempt at further diagnosis is not recommended. If an orthopedic surgical procedure is necessary in a patient with Gaucher's disease, antibiotic coverage is indicated and long-term observation of the operative sight for drainage and/or other signs of chronic inflammatory changes in mandatory.

Child↗